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After ranking 31st in the NFL in kickoff-return coverage in 2012, the 49ers revamped special-teams unit got off to an encouraging start in Week 1.

Green Bay’s Jeremy Ross averaged 13.3 yards on three returns, Phil Dawson had four touchbacks and the Packers’ average drive started on their 19.5-yard line thanks in part to the unit’s exemplary play.

Now, that overhauled coverage crew will be further re-tooled.

The 49ers have signed wide receiver receiver Kassim Osgood, 33, a three-time Pro Bowler as a special-teams ace, who was released by the team on Aug. 31. Osgood will assume the roster spot of rookie linebacker Nick Moody, who will be placed on injured reserve with the designation to return. Moody’s right hand was heavily bandaged on Tuesday when he was observed in the locker room. Moody can’t practice until at least six weeks have passed, and he can’t be activated for at least eight weeks.

He was part of the overhauled kickoff-coverage unit that included six other players who weren’t with the 49ers in 2012: Dawson, linebacker Dan Skuta, wide receiver Marlon Moore, linebacker Corey Lemonier and safeties Craig Dahl and Bubba Ventrone. The lone holdovers are linebacker Michael Wilhoite, safety C.J. Spillman, running back Anthony Dixon and cornerback Tramaine Brock.

The 49ers allowed an average of 26.9 yards per kickoff return last year and surrendered a 108-yard return to Baltimore’s Jacoby Jones in the Super Bowl.

Osgood doesn’t figure to play a role on offense. He has 44 receptions in his 10-year career, with just 16 since 2005.

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Niners wide receiver Anquan Boldin was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week after he had 13 catches for 208 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s 34-28 win over Green Bay.

Boldin became the first player in NFL history to record a 100-yard receiving game in his debut for three different teams (Arizona, Baltimore, San Francisco).